Old Town Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore charter targets redfish, trout, and black drumEarly morning departure maximizes fishing success with live baitAll equipment, licenses, and tackle provided for up to 4 guests
Looking to get your line wet in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters? This Old Town fishing charter puts you right where the action is. Captain and crew at Unfinished Business Charters know these flats, grass beds, and oyster bars like the back of their hand. You'll spend 4 hours targeting some of the most sought-after species in the region from a well-equipped 24' center console that's built for comfort and fishability. With room for up to 2 guests, this trip offers a personalized experience whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet.
Your day kicks off at 8:00 AM sharp, which is prime time for inshore fishing along Florida's Nature Coast. The early morning bite is legendary here, and you'll understand why once you see how aggressive these fish get when the sun's low on the horizon. The 24' center console gives you plenty of casting room and a stable platform for fighting fish. All your tackle is handled – rods, reels, and fishing licenses are included, so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the boat. Depending on conditions, your captain might break out live bait to really get things going. The setup is perfect for beginners and families, with the crew ready to adjust techniques based on your experience level. Just bring your snacks, sunscreen, and that competitive spirit.
This charter specializes in light tackle fishing, which means you'll feel every headshake and run these inshore species are famous for. Your captain will position the boat over productive structure like oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths where these fish love to feed. Techniques vary based on conditions – you might be sight casting to tailing redfish in skinny water, working soft plastics around structure for black drum, or drifting live bait for speckled trout. The beauty of light tackle is that even a decent-sized fish feels like a monster when you're using the right gear. Your guide knows when to anchor up and when to keep moving, reading the water and adjusting tactics throughout the trip. Live bait comes into play when conditions call for it, giving you that extra edge when fish are being picky.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Old Town inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters average 18-27 inches in these waters and put up a scrap that'll test your drag system. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but don't count out winter fishing when conditions are right. What makes reds so special is their attitude – they'll crash topwater lures, inhale live bait, and make blistering runs toward structure. Plus, they're excellent table fare when kept within slot limits.
Tripletail might be the most unique catch you'll encounter on this trip. These oddball fish hang around structure and floating debris, often lying on their sides looking like floating leaves. They're ambush predators with incredible acceleration once hooked. Most tripletail here run 3-8 pounds, and they're notorious for their acrobatic fights. Summer months offer the best shots at these fish, and they're considered some of the finest eating in the Gulf. Finding them requires a sharp eye and precise presentation.
Lake Trout – likely referring to the local speckled trout population – are another staple species that keeps anglers coming back. These spotted beauties love grass flats and drop-offs, especially during moving tides. They're aggressive feeders that respond well to both artificial lures and live bait. What's great about specks is their willingness to bite throughout the day, making them perfect for filling out your catch. They average 12-16 inches in these waters, with larger specimens showing up during cooler months.
Black Drum round out your target species list and bring serious pulling power to the equation. These bottom-dwellers love oyster bars and hard structure where they can root around for crabs and shellfish. While they might not be the prettiest fish, they make up for it with raw strength. Drum here commonly run 2-8 pounds, with bigger fish possible during their spawning runs. They're excellent fighters that test your tackle and your patience, often requiring a patient approach with natural baits.
Old Town's inshore waters offer some of the most consistent fishing on Florida's Nature Coast, and this charter puts you right in the sweet spot. With personalized attention for just 2 guests, professional-grade equipment, and a captain who knows where the fish are biting, you've got everything needed for a successful day. The early start time maximizes your chances during peak feeding periods, while the light tackle approach ensures every fish feels like a trophy. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler wanting to explore new waters, this trip delivers the goods. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. Don't wait too long – prime spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons.
This 24' center console is your ticket to Old Town's best fishing spots. Built for comfort and performance, she handles the shallow flats and deeper channels with ease while keeping up to 4 anglers fishing in comfort. The spacious layout gives everyone room to cast without tangling lines, and the stable hull means less rocking when you're fighting that trophy redfish. Everything you need is on board - quality rods and reels, a fish finder to locate schools, GPS to hit the hottest spots, plus an icebox for cold drinks and storing your catch. The livewell keeps bait fresh all day, while safety gear ensures peace of mind. Whether you're after speckled trout in the grass beds or black drum around structure, this boat gets you there and back with a smooth, dry ride that families and experienced anglers appreciate.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are tough customers that'll test your tackle and patience. These bruisers typically run 5-15 pounds inshore, though the big bulls can hit 40+ pounds around deeper structure. They're bottom-feeders with powerful jaws, crushing crabs and oysters along muddy flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you hear them drumming underwater. What makes them fun is the initial surprise - you think you're hung on bottom until it starts moving. Smaller ones eat great, but the big ones get tough and stringy. My go-to setup is fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig, fished right on the bottom. The trick is being patient - they mouth baits before committing, so wait for that solid pull-down before setting the hook.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout aren't something we typically target on our Old Town inshore charters since they're a cold-water species found in deep northern lakes, not Florida's warm coastal waters. These fish are the largest members of the char family, often reaching 15-40 pounds in places like the Great Lakes and northern Canada. They live in deep, cold waters with high oxygen levels and prefer depths of 50-200+ feet during warmer months. Spring after ice-out is prime time when they move shallow. Anglers love them for their impressive size and excellent table fare. The best approach is vertical jigging with spoons or swimbaits in deep basins. However, for our Florida inshore trips, you'll want to focus on species like redfish, trout, and drum that actually live in these warm shallow waters.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most popular targets here in the Old Town shallows. These copper-colored beauties typically run 18-28 inches and love hanging out in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. You'll spot them by that distinctive black eyespot near their tail - sometimes they've got several spots. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially on moving tides. What makes them special is that explosive strike when they hit topwater lures, plus they put up a solid fight on light tackle. The smaller ones make excellent table fare with that mild, sweet flavor. Pro tip: when you see them tailing in skinny water, cast well ahead and let your bait settle - they spook easy but can't resist a well-placed shrimp or soft plastic.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of the more unique fish we target - they look like floating leaves until they move. These oddly-shaped fish average 2-5 pounds but can hit 15+ pounds, and they're surprisingly acrobatic for their bulky build. You'll find them floating near the surface around weed lines, debris, or structure, often lying on their sides to blend in. Summer months are prime time when water temps stay above 70 degrees. What guests love is the sight-fishing aspect - spotting them floating motionless then watching them ambush your bait. They're also fantastic eating, with firm white meat that rivals snapper. The key trick is stealth - cast well past where you see one floating and slowly work your bait toward them. Get too close and they'll vanish like a ghost.
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